Seabed surveys around the Isles of Scilly have revealed a surprising diversity of life in sediment habitats that are not fully represented in current classification systems. Scientists from the University of Plymouth conducted a detailed assessment of the seabed near the archipelago, uncovering a complex mix of sediment types that support a wide range of marine species. Using techniques such as towed and baited video surveys at 10 locations outside existing marine protected areas (MPAs), the team explored the depth and variety of life in these habitats. The research identified a range of sediment types, from sandy areas to those covered in boulders and cobbles, at depths reaching up to 90 meters (295 feet). These varied environments are home to more than 90 species of seabed animals, including corals, sponges, worms, sharks, rays, and starfish. Some of the upright species found on the seabed, like sponges, play a key role in providing shelter for other organisms and increasing the sensitivity of the habitat to environmental changes. These habitats also serve as important nurseries and feeding grounds for species that are both commercially valuable and ecologically significant. The study found that the diversity of these sediment habitats is not fully captured by the European Nature Information System (EUNIS), which is used to classify marine habitats and inform conservation policies and management decisions. The researchers suggest that the current EUNIS classifications for sediment habitats in the U.K. may be based on "shifted baselines"—a concept referring to how habitats appear after prolonged human impact, rather than their potential state in a healthier, undisturbed condition. Many of the surveyed sediment habitats around the Isles of Scilly have not been disturbed by trawling or dredging for over a decade, offering a rare glimpse of what a recovering seabed might look like. This study has filled important knowledge gaps about the species that can thrive in such undisturbed environments. To improve marine conservation efforts, the researchers have proposed three key recommendations. First, marine management should move away from rigid classification systems like EUNIS and instead incorporate new evidence into habitat and sensitivity assessments. Second, robust monitoring programs—though costly and time-consuming—should be established to track ecological baselines and recovery processes. Third, MPAs should be managed based on the full range of habitats and species present at each site, rather than focusing on individual features. These steps aim to ensure that marine conservation strategies are more effective and better aligned with the actual needs of marine ecosystems.